Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Mudavadi asks Raila, Uhuru to back his State House bid


By Francis Ontomwa
Amani Coalition presidential candidate Deputy Prime Minister Musalia Mudavadi has challenged Prime Minister Raila Odinga and Jubilee’s Uhuru Kenyatta to support his bid.
Mr Mudavadi, who wound up his Western tour on Tuesday in Vihiga County, said it was his prime time to succeed President Kibaki, saying there were bountiful reasons why the duo should support his presidential race.
Speaking at Luanda after holding a rally at Matungu District, Mudavadi revisited the 2002 and 2007 General Election when he supported Uhuru and Raila respectively, saying it was time the duo reciprocated.
“There is nowhere in our Constitution where it is recorded that the presidency is preserved for a certain people or tribe, this time round I am firmly in the race and nothing will make me tread backwards,” he affirmed.
“In 2002, I was behind Uhuru. In 2007, I supported Odinga. Isn’t it time the two extended the same gesture to me,” he posed. Present during the campaign stopovers were former legislators Boni Khalwale, George Khaniri, Yusuf Chanzu, Mark Too and Nick Salat, among other leaders.
Divided house
New Ford Kenya leader Eugene Wamalwa, a partner in the coalition, stated that Mudavadi was the safest bet among all presidential hopefuls who would ensure the country remained united.
He defended his move to back Mudavadi, saying the Luhya unity was crucial and resonated with efforts to restore the dignity of the nation.
“For ages we have been termed a divided house and that is exactly the reason why I rescinded my chase for presidency and decided to support my brother. A house that is divided cannot stand,” he said.
Mr Salat, who also addressed the crowd, promised to crisscross the Rift Valley region and popularise Mudavadi’s candidature.
Salat wondered why some Luhya leaders were pulling apart in a manner likely to imply that they sabotage Mudavadi’s chances and challenged them to rethink their stand.


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